Talk Music Talk With Boice

Journalist James Gavin is the author of four acclaimed books each exploring the interior lives of music legends. His first book, Intimate Nights: The Golden Age of New York Cabaret, was published in 1991 followed by Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker, Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne in 2009 and 2014's Is That All There Is?: The Strange Life of Peggy Lee. James's journalism has appeared in countless publications such as the New York Times, the Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Additionally, he's written liner notes for over 400 CD's including a Grammy nomination for penning the GRP box set Ella Fitzgerald: The Legendary Decca Recordings. James has been the recipient of numerous awards, accolades and praise from the likes of ASCAP, Salon and fellow music writer Greil Marcus. In between writing assignments and promoting Is That All There is?, James is currently touring as narrator/host with Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Project, a concert that stars former Supreme Mary Wilson and the Larry Dunlap

The Rickster. The Funky Uncle. The Lazy Hustler. Whatever name he cheekily goes by, the legendary street photographer Ricky Powell is the master of wielding his camera to capture "right now" and creating a timeless picture. Basquiat and Warhol right before they enter their joint '85 exhibition. Run-DMC, in a mid-jump silhouette, photo-bombed by the Eiffel Tower. A born and bred New Yorker, Ricky synthesized what the classic era of hip-hop felt like whether you lived in the culture or not. The same honesty found in his celebrity photos is also found in his classic street photography. An female jogger getting limber for her jog. A man walking a gang of dogs across a NYC street. Unguarded brilliance! Throughout his career, Ricky has allowed his camera to be the conduit to a highly popular New York public access TV show Rappin' with the Rickster. Four celebrated books of photography. Numerous exhibitions and slideshows. Collaborations and campaigns with the likes of Pepsi, X- Large, Dickies, WESC and more. All of

Finnish-American singer/songwriter Janita (pronounced "YAH-nee-tuh") moved to Brooklyn at the tender age of 17, but not before setting her homeland afire as a highly popular singer and actor. Since then she's released several albums, including a stint on Sony, that have seen her style evolve from the very poppy to the evolved Didn't You, My Dear? Janita's just-released third American album is a lyrically honest and musically haunting statement from a talent crafting music on her own terms. In addition to performing music, she's also an activist for musicians receiving adequate payment for radio airplay; since early 2014 she's represented the grassroots #IRespectMusic campaign. Visit Janita Online: www.janita.com   Talk Music Talk Playlist/032: The Portable Meshell This week's Spotfiy playlist was inspired by a major influence of Janita: Meshell Ndegeocello. A conversation with the fiercely eclectic artist cemented Janita's decision to follow her own musical path. The Portable Meshell is evidence of an artist full

Singer/Composer/Pianist akie bermiss is the real deal! The one to watch! Possessor of a flexible gift that can veer from jazz to funk to hip-hop without losing his proverbial breath. The evidence is in his transcendent live performances and his EP akie. But perhaps the real proof is his opus- in-progress "Alien Love Songs", a 20 song suite. akie's performing many of the songs live and you'll even find some on his Soundcloud page. Visit him online to stay up-to-date: http:// akiemusic.com/ or hear a wealth of akie's music on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/akie- bermiss Talk Music Talk Playlist/031: The akie bermiss Edition This week's Spotify playlist is short and sweet. Short in length and long in classic soul inspired by akie bermiss. Digging deep into album cuts and the so-called flops, I've uncovered hidden treasures from artists you love with just a hint of songs that are familiar. All tied up with a pair from akie's eponymous EP. Settle in on a rainy day with tracks from Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, L

It's Talk Music Talk Episode #30!!! California-native SiairaShawn currently calls New York home, the city where she recorded her acclaimed 2013 EP, Ghost and single "Lamb". The singer-songwriter continues to expand and refine her new soul sound with her latest release Flowers While You're Here, a sonically-beautiful trilogy of EP's. Camellia, the first installment is out now with Lily and Iris following later in 2015. SiairaShawn is also a consummate altruist sharing her talent and expertise with youth in educational settings. Day and night, this accomplished artist is living a life of music.              Visit her online: http://www.siairashawn.com/   Talk Music Talk Playlist/030: The SiairaShawn Edition:This week's Spotify playlist was inspired by SiairaShawn and her soulful, haunting music. To complement her highly-raised bar, it took tracks from the likes of Solange and FKA Twigs; new music from Roisin Murphy; remixes from Björk and the xx and of course, our shared favorite, Brandy! All of this wonderful mu

Jazz/Folk singer-songwriter Ashley Daneman is only a few months out from her full-page feature in the prestigious Downbeat Magazine. The March 2015 issue celebrated the release of her debut album Beauty Indestructible. An achievement for any artist but especially for an indie artist without the luxury of a major-label backing. Currently based in NYC, the wife and mother of two kids saw the fulfillment of her album release at 37. Daneman's age should be an  unremarkable fact but it's really just a beautiful signpost of the adversities she's overcome on the path to Beauty Indestructible with the bonus that dreams don't have a deadline.                                                                                                              Visit Ashley online: http://ashleydaneman.com/ Talk Music Talk Playlist/029: Joni Mitchell EditionAshley says she was raised on Joni Mitchell. Ergo, this week's Spotify playlist is a re-run or shall we say previously used playlist from TMT Episode #15. In honor of Ashley (a

There's an element to the music of David Rothschild that appears casual and comfortable to a listener's ear. But to quote an old ad, don't let the smooth taste fool you. There's a hard-earned craft to his songwriting that belies his EP, Simple Changes. This debut sounds like the lived-in effort of a seasoned veteran. Released February 2015, on the heels of a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, David is just getting started with a sound that reminds you of The Band or early 70s Elton John, but of course is distinctively his own. Visit him online: http://www.davidrothschildmusic.com/#!home/mainPage Talk Music Talk Playlist/028: Weathered Sounds:Compiling this week's list was too easy! Inspired by the rich, classic sound of David Rothschild featuring the music of his inspirations---George Jones, The Band, etc.---were just the jumping off point for a little bit of country and a little bit of rock. Some Grateful Dead, Emmylou Harris, Springsteen and a whole lot more. Plus I snuck in a track from Mr. Rothschild

Christopher Botta calls his music electro-acoustic. An exciting intersection between his laptop and his electric guitar exploring the infinite possibilities between them. A musician, composer and engineer based in Brooklyn, Christopher is the co-founder (with drummer Joseph Branciforte) of the cellar and point, a 7-piece "garage-chamber" group, whose 2014 debut ambit was high-praised by everyone from The Brooklyn Rail to All About Jazz to BBC Radio. He also releases music through his solo project da kid. Explore the full breadth of this talented, exciting artist online: http://www.christopherbotta.com and http://www.thecellarandpoint.com/   Talk Music Talk Playlist/027: The Electro TMT This week's TMT Spotify Playlist was in part inspired by Christopher Botta. Mainly the electro side with roots firmly planted in the 80s. But you know I have to put a TMT twist on it and pair the synth decade with a little obscurity and the unexpected. Names you know with songs you might have missed, b-sides and Strawberry Switc

To label Mel D. Cole a music photographer seems too thin a description. Yes, he was dubbed as one of Complex magazine's 50 Greatest Music Photographers. Yes, he's the "house photographer" of The Roots crew and Questlove hailed him as his favorite contemporary photographer. And of course, his exquisite black and white photos perfectly capture the performances of artists like Lauryn Hill, Nas and Common. However, Mel is equally adept at travel, nightlife and street photography. His talent is as immense as his creative choices regardless of the setting or subject. To see for yourself, visit him at his website http:// www.meldcole.com/ or blog http://villageslum.com/.   Talk Music Talk Playlist/026: The Hip-Hop Inspired by the hip-hop imagery of Mel D.Cole, this week's TMT Spotify playlist is a collection of my favorite rap music spanning several decades! I couldn't stop at 10 or 15 tracks or even 30-- at 50 songs and nearly 4 hours in length, this is a portable box set curated for your pleasure. It's full of bot

Drummer and composer Ramsey Jones is creating his own legacy. As the oldest of six siblings that included the late rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard, the Brooklyn native has been a force in the New York music scene including 25 years in the Afro-Punk band Funkface. His band appeared in the classic Afro-Punk movie and Ramsey has played with Vernon Reid and of course on several Wu-Tang Clan albums featuring his cousins RZA and GZA. For additional information on Ramsey and Funkface, visit his band's website: http://www.funkfacenyc.com/ For more information on TMT, visit: www.talkmusictalk.comOr my personal site: www.thisisboice.com Subscribe to my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/thisisboice?sub_confirmation=1   Subscribe to TMT on iTunes: http://bit.ly/TalkMusicTalk Or Stitcher Radio: http://bit.ly/TMTStitcher Or TuneIn Radio: http://bit.ly/TMTtunein If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment to leave a review and/or rating.It Reviews and ratings help to improve TMT rankings and spread the word. Thanks!   "Liz (The

Soulful singer-songwriter Aaron Pfeiffer is on the precipice of something big. The fellow Pittsburgh native currently lives in New York City. Since his relocation four years ago, he's been on a proactive path to his dreams. Last year he made it to the blind audition of The Voice; this year he has a July residency at NYC's Rockwood Music Hall to celebrate the June release of his debut EP Nightcall. Success leaves clues and there's no doubt that by the end of 2015, Aaron Pfeiffer will be a household name. "Can't Shake This", the first single from the EP is available now on iTunes: https://itun.es/us/VrxK6 Aaron Online: http://aaronpfeiffer.com/ Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AARONPnyc Aaron on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/aaronpnyc Aaron on Instagram: https://instagram.com/aaronpnyc/ Aaron on ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/aaronpnyc Talk Music Talk Playlist/024: Blue Is The ColorThis week's TMT Spotify playlist was inspired by Aaron's soul-drenched vocals. However, let's not call i

Jack Rabid has not only lived through New York's early 80s punk movement, he's also a documentarian of the Lower East Side history. As editor/publisher (and co-founded with the late Dave Stein) of The Big Takeover magazine, he's spent the past 35 years detailing music in all its colorful forms. From a fanzine dedicated to The Stimulators to a full-fledged bi-annual magazine, Jack's publication shows no signs of flagging despite the print industry's woes. In addition to running a magazine for three and a half decades, Jack is also a drummer. There was the early DIY band The Even Worse (whose first show was opening for The Stimulators) and the '90s critics' darlings Springhouse. He's also done stints with Last Burning Embers and Leaving Trains. Jack also has an online radio show, The Big Takeover Show, where he curates nearly two hours of music he can't stop playing and thinks you should, too.  Listen: http://www.bigtakeover.com/radio The Big Takeover magazine online:                                    http://www.

Hip-Hop producer Malik Abdul Rahmaan is an infinite source of music history spanning generations and cultures. It makes sense for the burgeoning musicologist who feels just at home in his Brooklyn residence or his home-away-from-home Tokyo. Malik is big in Japan where his beloved soulful beats keep him never lacking for production work. Everyone wants some of the Malik-style including Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah. His 2014 album 36 Seasons featured no less than three tracks with production by Malik. In addition to helming the sound for others, Malik is an artist in his own right; look out for his forthcoming project under his own name featuring field sounds. Can't wait! Malik Online:                                                           http://www.malikabdulrahmaan.com/ Malik on Soundcloud:                                                              https://soundcloud.com/malikabdulrahmaan   Talk Music Talk Playlist/022: Hip-Hop Instrumentals This week's Spotify playlist, inspired by Malik's instrumenta

French-American jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant covers the waterfront when it comes to her singular song selection. Songbook standards rub shoulders up against work songs, songs sung in her native French and smart originals. Her first US-release, WomanChild (2013), is the eclectic scene of the crime which has been rewarded by a worldwide fervent fanbase, a Downbeat Jazz Album of the Year and a Grammy Album of the Year nomination. It's been a long two years since WomanChild arrived, but fortunately we'll be rewarded with a late-August follow-up.   Cécile Online:                                                             http://www.cecilemclorinsalvant.com/ NYC PERFORMANCE:Cécile McLorin Salvant Sings Billie Holiday                                                                  April 10 & 11 (6pm & 8:30pm shows include free pre-concert discussion)                Jazz @ Lincoln Center The Appel Room                                                                Tickets:                            

Vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles is on the precipice of an exciting new career chapter. Her just released full-length album, Inner Dialogue, expands on the promise of her 2012 EP debut, Red. While the EP represented a moment in time of where she was as a bandleader with her S.E. Charles Quartet, Inner Dialogue captures her present vision. The sophomore album includes a lusher sound and lyrics that are vulnerable in their bare honesty with palette that includes jazz plus two Haitian folk arrangements and the premiere of horns in her music with the presence of co-producer/trumpet player Christian Scott. There is no doubt that Inner Dialogue will easily be one of the best albums of 2015! If you're in the NYC area on March 30, see Sarah perform at the Inner Dialogue Release Party featuring the S.E. Charles Quartet and Christian Scott at le poisson rouge.   Jesse Elder (keys)                                                                                               Burniss Earl Travis II (bass),                

As unfathomable as it seems, Cuban pianist (and composer, producer & educator) Aruán Ortiz has the same 24 hours in a day as everyone else. The proof is evident in everything he's accomplished since his 2008 New York arrival. During this period he's released five albums--- three in 2012! From Alameda in 2010 to his most recent album, Banned in London with the Michael Janisch Quintet in 2012. Ortiz can as easily be found leading his own quartet or in a duo with fellow pianist Bob Glück or as a sideman with talents like Esperanza Spalding and Don Byron. His acumen and versatility allows him to flow seamlessly from setting to setting and genre to genre including jazz and experimental. Ortiz has been honored with numerous awards and accolades from The Guardian, JazzTimes Magazine, Doris Duke Artist Impact Award and Latin Jazz Corner’s Arranger of the Year. 2015 will find Aruán back in the studio working on a new album and also the realization of his long form ensemble piece at Harlem Stage, Inside a Rhythmic Fal

String Noise are an experimental violin duo comprised of husband and wife Conrad Harris and Pauline Kim Harris. Based in NYC, they've had over 30 new works composed specifically for them since their 2011 inception. Outside of their String Noise collaboration, Conrad and Pauline can be found performing as soloists and also in the case of Conrad, with his group The FLUX Quartet. The "trailblazing duo", as dubbed by Time Out NY, will release their debut feature album Spring 2015 plus a brand new website (www.stringnoiseduo.com) currently in production. Pauline Kim Harris: violin/viola                                                                         Conrad Harris: violin String Noise on Facebook:                                                    https://www.facebook.com/pages/String-Noise/100299233416629 Pauline Kim Harris on Facebook:                                              https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pauline-Kim-Harris/393034134116789 Conrad Harris:                                                

Treehaus is the solo music project helmed by pianist/singer/producer Josh Jacobson. Although his 2014 debut, Afterglow, was a Prince-like one man band affair, he regularly performs live as a trio with drummer Andrew Marshall and Richard Emery doubled up on bass and guitar. Lyrically inspired by nature, Afterglow is an impeccable blend of jazz, electronic and even a little respect to his Chicago roots with tinges of house music. The seamless mix finds it continuity in Josh's lush production and soulful vocals. Josh also DJ's as evidenced by his weekly music podcast which features classics, new tracks and live instrumentation from him. Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/treehaus-podcast/id913424797?mt=2 If 2014 was the introduction of this bright new talent, the journey continues in 2015 with a phenomenal new single "Underground" premiering on this episode of Talk Music Talk. "Underground" will be available to purchase March 10 on iTunes and                   http:// store.treehausmusic.com

Jesse Cohen is 1/2 of the Brooklyn-based synth duo Tanlines. Their first release, Mixed Emotions, came out in 2012 with the follow-up expected Spring 2015. During the interim, the percussionist has not only spent the time crafting the band's upcoming album, he's been busy hosting his most excellent podcast No Effects with Jesse Cohen. The year-old show not only features Jesse's discussions with fellow musicians like Mapei and How to Dress Well's Tom Krell but also insightful interviews with journalists and actors. No Effects with Jesse Cohen on iTunes:                               https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-effects-with-jesse-cohen/id815705988?mt=2 No Effects with Jesse Cohen Tumblr:                                 http://noeffectsshow.com/ Tanlines Facebook:                                                           https://www.facebook.com/tanlinestheband Tanlines Twitter:                                                                 https://mobile.twitter.com/tanlines Talk Music Talk Playlist/

goste is Owen Ross. Owen Ross is goste. Whether he's flying solo or in a band setting, goste effortlessly combines organic and electronic sounds with his beautifully corrosive voice crashing through the mix. The Bushwick resident's latest EP, Eugene, is a deeper exploration of a sound he's been refining since his days at the Berklee College of Music. Since his move from Boston, he's been busy spreading the word with a regular spate of shows and planning his next release: a full-length album. Also on the 2015 docket, a cassette-only release of remixes featuring goste tracks reimagined by others on one side with his reworking of other artists songs on the flip. Can't wait! goste on Tumblr: http://gostemusic.tumblr.com/ goste on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/GosteMusic goste on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sutpensghost goste on Bandcamp: https://gostemusic.bandcamp.com/ goste performing "Loadedlikeapistol" live at Converse Rubbertracks in Brooklyn: http://youtu.be/NdzBPqOkE6g Talk Music Talk Playlist/01